Donnie Nietes defends title in his hometown against Raul Garcia

Donnie Nietes, the man they called “Ahas” will showcase his poisonous sting in front of friendlies against Raul Garcia at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, in Bacolod City, Philippines.

Nietes (37-1-4, 21 KOs) is the longest Filipino world champion is seeking to continue his winning streak in quest for global recognition he long deserved. Although a champion since 2007, the Bacolod native still unrecognized in the international stage. In fact, Nietes, 34, had a debut fight in the US only in his last fight on 17th October 2015 at the StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

If Nietes get past Garcia, a possible US fight could happen next. His handlers are gunning for a flyweight world championship match against Roman Gonzalez. He’s been at 108-pound division for a long time. A move at flyweight is too good for him. And why not move and fight the best in the division, the best pound-for-pound. He’s not getting any younger.

Well, that of course if he get past Raul Garcia.

Raul Garcia (38-3-1, 23 KOs) is a man on a mission. He came all the way to Mexico to Nietes’ home turf to exact revenge. Nietes defeated Raul’s twin brother Ramon Garcia in 2011.

However according to Nietes, Raul has identical style with his twin brother.

“His style of fighting is the same as his twin. They have the same offense. The movement of Raul Garcia is the same as Ramon Garcia also. That’s why it’s very familiar to me,” says Nietes as per Ryan Songalia of Rappler.

Nietes won via unanimous decision against Ramon. But it is exciting to see how much improvement Raul would incorporate in his game plan against Nietes with the help of his twin brother.

The fight can be seen on ABS-CBN’s Sky Cable, Philippines, pay-per-view and Live Stream on TFC.tv through subscription.